Presentation on the use of art in recovery programs set for April 23

LACONIA — The Lakes Region Art Association will host a presentation by Elaine Morrison and Dick Smith on their work with Creative Recovery, previously known as River Crew Art. The presentation will be part of the LRAA’s monthly meeting at the Woodside Building at the Taylor Community in Laconia on Monday, April 23, at 7 p.m. The LRAA presentation on April 23 will include exhibits of participants’ work, such as art journals, art work, and photography. Participants and photographers will be included in the presentation with a discussion following. This presentation is free and open to the public.

Elaine and Dick began River Crew Art in January, 2012. Elaine, a retired special education teacher and artist together with amateur photographer, Dick Smith, began with a single idea: to use art and photography as the tools for empowerment. Approaching downtown Laconia’s homeless, they invited them to participate in creating artwork. The program ran for six years before it transitioned to Navigating Recovery in 2017, which was established to provide services for those in recovery from addiction. The goals and objectives remained the same when River Crew Art changed their name to Creative Recovery.

Art journaling, painting, and drawing are just a few of the opportunities available for artistic expression through Creative Recovery. Photography is also available including learning to edit to produce creative photographs. This successful program is also mentored by local artists and photographers who meet every Monday from 10 a.m.-noon at Navigating Recovery, 635 Main St., in Laconia.